Plans for a new health centre for Colne have taken a major step forward this week.
NHS East Lancashire has applied to Pendle Council for permission to demolish the former Kwik Save supermarket in Craddock Road, the site of which has been earmarked for a new health facility to replace the existing one in Market Street.
Health bosses gave the go-ahead for the new health centre last October, albeit a smaller one than originally planned. The health centre will be around 2,500 square metres in size.
Jackie Hadwen, chief executive officer at East Lancashire Building Partnership, said NHS East Lancashire was applying to demolish the former Kwik Save building on this site for two reasons. These are:
The unoccupied building is an on-going liability and NHS East Lancashire would have to continue to commit resources to ensure it remains safe and isn’t too unsightly. Demolition is part of a sensible site management strategy for this location.
In preparation for building the new health centre in Colne, NHS East Lancashire is currently finalising plans for the town’s premises and intends to submit a planning application for the new development imminently.
When the details have been finalised, NHS East Lancashire will be in a position to release further information supported by a series of public engagement events.
Jackie Hadwen said: “In summary, NHS Lancashire has the capital funding available to undertake the demolition and it makes good economic sense to do so.”
The demolition application will be taken by Pendle Council planning officers using delegated powers unless there are objections, in which case it will be referred to the Colne and District Committee at its meeting on October 4th.